Not that I need an excuse, but I always like to have one handy. Such is the case that is camping, a fine excuse for playing with fire and reaching out to the inner caveman we all have hiding within. Nothing beats sitting around the fire after a long day of fishing and gallivanting.
I’ve always been a fire fan, from the first time I lit a whole book of matches as a kid, to the time my old military neighbor took me to the range to play with a flamethrower. Fire, is the original god among us and it will be forever fascinating.
As a loose rule, I always try to build the fire a different way. I’m a huge sucker for fire starters, flints, homemade kindling kits.I once used a car battery and a broom to start a fire out of sheer curiosity. But because I’m such a worry wart, I’m never without a basic set of matches. Water Proof, Strike Anywhere Matches to be exact. Don’t leave home without it. Well you can if you really want since their are a half a billion other methods of burning your fingers. They even have storm proof match containers as well. We’ve come a long way from the old rub two sticks together. I’m going to look later, but I bet Amazon sells that too!
Fire, it’s what’s for breakfast lunch and dinner…usually. I haven’t like camping with a stove in a long time. It’s a nice convenience to have but an unnecessary burden unless I am on a heavy camping trip. I’m a self described camping nerd. You won’t find me scaling mountains or facing off with a Mountain lion anytime soon. I’m usually located within the near confines of base camp, doing what base camp nerds do. Think,eat, tinker and contemplate.
There is a guy on you tube that is just fantastic to watch as he goes about with his primitive lifestyles. No words, he just builds. I sit at my campsite with running fresh water and a campfire made out of fire jelly. This guy builds entire kilns. The name of his Channel is Primitive Technology – Termite Kiln. It’s worth a watch!
As always though. Safety is a must. Camping fire extinguishers are a must and should really be kept near the fire at all times. This gear should follow your pit shovel and wood pile where ever they go.